About The Opera House
The Opera House in Toronto is a historic mid-size concert hall with a rich history dating back to 1909 . Originally opened as the La Plaza Theatre, an Edwardian vaudeville stage, it seated nearly 900 people . Over decades it became a single-screen cinema under names like La Plaza, Acropolis, and Cinema Ellas , before being converted back into a live venue. In 1989 the current owners transformed it into “The Opera House,” preserving its 1900s charm . One signature feature is the grand 35-foot proscenium arch that frames the stage , a vestige of its theatre origins. The building still stands much as it did over 100 years ago, combining classic architecture with modern concert lighting and sound rigs .
Today The Opera House is primarily known as a Queen Street East concert venue. Its 12,000 sq. ft. floorplan includes a main floor lobby, bars, coat check, and a 900 sq.ft. stage with professional sound and lighting . A tiered balcony overlooks the stage, complete with its own bar . With roughly 950 total capacity, it feels intimate yet lively (about 680 on the main floor and 270 in the balcony) . Unlike large amphitheaters or arenas, the Opera House has a cozy club atmosphere, with wooden floors and exposed brick walls under the vintage arch. Despite the name “Opera House,” no operas are performed here – it was always a live-music and vaudeville venue . Its longevity and unique style make it a landmark on Toronto’s live music circuit.
Events and Programming
The Opera House hosts concerts and performances almost nightly, featuring a wide spectrum of genres. Local promoters and national tours bring in rock, punk, metal, indie, electronic, hip-hop, and pop acts. In recent years its stage has hosted touring bands and DJs like Show Me The Body, Drain, Ruby Waters, L.S. Dunes, and Enter Shikari, among many others. (For example, a sold-out crowd lined up to see L.S. Dunes on July 13, 2023 .) It also welcomes specialty events – comedy shows, burlesque, dance and even video shoots – so the lineup varies cover-to-cover. The venue has a reputation for embracing diverse styles that might not fit at more polished theatres. In the 1990s it famously welcomed hip-hop acts, punk shows, raves, and metal nights when few others would . Today it still attracts both up-and-coming and established artists (legendary performers like Nirvana, Metallica, Eminem, Foo Fighters, Halsey, The Killers and more have graced the stage ). Many concerts are all-ages or 19+ (see policies below), and shows tend to draw energetic general-admission crowds.
Programming is typically music-focused, with a handful of non-music events sprinkled in. For example, The Opera House has hosted film and TV shoots, corporate video productions, and community theatre recreations. Recurring events like seasonal party nights or multi-band lineups happen from time to time. Ticket prices vary by act; smaller indie bands often charge in the $20–$40 range, while popular touring acts can be $50–$80 (plus fees). Because it is a mid-sized 950-capacity hall, many shows sell out quickly. Fans often watch the venue’s calendar (and follow venue or promoter announcements) for presale codes or bundled deals. Advance online sales usually start as soon as a tour is announced, and tickets may sell out long before show night.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Opera House shows are almost always sold in advance online. There is no traditional box office open before the day of a show . Instead, you purchase tickets through the promoter’s site or a ticketing platform (the venue’s own site redirects to external sellers). This means you should secure tickets early if a show is hot; once it’s listed as “sold out” online, the only chance to get in is to line up at the door on show day. The venue’s FAQ notes that tickets might be sold at the door only if the show has not yet sold out . However, even then you can’t reserve tickets – if you want to be sure of entry, buying online is best. A few hours before an event, a small number of “will-call” or door tickets (usually cash-only) may be available, but don’t count on them for a busy concert .
For popular shows, organizers sometimes run presales (e.g. for fan clubs or credit cards) in the days before general sale. Local news outlets or the venue’s social channels occasionally announce these. If you miss the presale or general sale, secondary markets exist but beware of inflated prices and fake listings. In short, book early and online to guarantee entry. When you buy a ticket, note the details: Opera House shows usually start in the evening (often around 7pm or 8pm on weekdays, slightly earlier on weekends) and doors typically swing open about 1.5–2 hours beforehand . For example, events often list doors at 7:00pm for an 8:00pm show. On the day of the show, arriving 15–30 minutes before doors open is wise if you have special seating needs or require accessibility assistance. The venue’s policy allows people to line up outside, as the glass front door opens roughly 90 minutes before showtime .
Seating and Layout
The Opera House is primarily configured for general admission (standing) concerts, especially on the main floor. The main floor is flat with tiered sections, but seating is usually removed, making it a pit for the audience. There are no reserved seats on the dance floor for standard shows – you find a spot once doors open and stand for the performance. The balcony level provides a raised perspective; it is tiered and often has limited bench seating or chairs along the back wall. Overall, the club has three sections: a large main floor, a mid-level mezzanine (with risers), and an upper balcony with its own front railing and bar . Sightlines are good throughout thanks to the tiered design. As one visitor review noted, the sound on the main floor is excellent “even under the balcony” , indicating that most spots experience clear acoustics. In practice, you can enjoy the show from anywhere: die-hard front-of-stage fans will push up close to the barriers, while others prefer the view and slightly quieter setting of the balcony.
The official venue capacity is roughly 950 (680 on main floor, 270 upstairs) . With that in mind, best standing spots depend on your priority. For an immersive high-energy experience, aim for the front few rows on the main floor, close to the stage. For balanced audio and a full overview, many fans choose the upper-middle of the floor or the balcony. There are no specifically “bad” seat – the tiering avoids major obstructions. The venue has a 35-ft proscenium arch framing the stage , so side views are slightly angled but still good. If you need to be seated, note that any chairs (if provided) are usually in the rear balcony areas. Some patrons stand by the soundboard tower (near rear main floor), where they report very clear sound. Just remember this is an old theater-turned-club: the front and edges of the pit may get crowded and very loud, while the back has more space to move. Either way, even standing under the balcony still delivers great audio clarity . Avoid lingering at the very back wall or too close to the heavy speaker stacks at the stage corners, as speakers can be deafening up close. Overall the design of the Opera House yields a consistently good experience from most positions.
Getting There and Parking
The Opera House is located at **735 Queen Street East in Riverside (Riverdale/Moss Park area) of Toronto** . The nearest major intersection is Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue. It’s a central East Toronto locale (between Corktown and Leslieville) with lots of transit options. By car, the simplest parking is the nearby public lot at **111 Broadview Ave (Green P, Carpark 45)**, which is just a 1-2 minute walk north of the venue . During show nights you’ll find metered or permit street parking on Queen East and side streets, but this can fill up quickly. Paid parking garages (Green P) and commercial lots near Broadview or Church Street are options too. Many attendees simply ride-share or take transit to avoid parking hassles.
The Opera House is very accessible by Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Multiple streetcar routes run along Queen Street East – the 501 Queen and 504 King streetcars stop just a block away at Broadview Avenue . When those aren’t running (overnight/late night), the 301 and 304 all-night Queen (“Owl”) buses service the area . Nearby bus routes (72 Pape, 65 Parliament, etc.) serve Broadview Station on the Bloor-Danforth subway, which is about a 5-10 minute walk north. Alternatively, Queen Station on Line 1 (Yonge line) is about 20 minutes walking distance or a short streetcar ride west. In practice, most concertgoers find Queensborough or Bloor-Danforth subways plus a transfer to the 501 or 504 lines convenient. For example, you could take the Queen subway to Queen East and walk east, or the Danforth subway to Broadview Station and walk south on Broadview. Evening streetcar service is frequent (often every 5-8 minutes) and runs past midnight. For a guaranteed direct ride home after the show, many visitors use a rideshare. The venue partners with Lyft – pickups/drop-offs are designated on Lewis St just north of Queen . (This small service road runs behind the Opera House.) A taxi stand can also typically be found at Queen & Broadview for late-night cabs. Overall, it’s a transportation hub: whether by car, bike, or TTC, get-off points at Queen/Broadview will put you within a very short walk of the entrance.
Inside the Venue
As you enter The Opera House, expect a classic concert-club vibe inside a vintage theatre shell. under the 35-foot arch the main lobby flows into the bar area. On concert nights security staff will likely be at the door ready to search bags and check tickets. The venue has a clear **bag policy**: small purses, clutches or a clear bag (max 12″x6″x12″) are allowed . Backpacks and large bags are prohibited and must be checked at the coat/check area . Early reviews noted that coats and belongings can be left at the (fee-based) coat check service, which is recommended to avoid queuing or crowding with bulky items. Once inside, you’ll find multiple refreshment bars on the main floor and one in the balcony . The Opera House is fully licensed, so expect beer, cider, wine and cocktails behind the bar. Note the venue is **cashless** – they accept major credit/debit cards and mobile wallets only (some merchandise stands may take cash). Old reviews mention a $2 surcharge on debit transactions, so paying by credit or app is easiest. You will need photo ID to purchase alcohol (the club enforces Ontario’s 19+ age rule), so keep ID handy. There are no restaurants or hot kitchens – only bar service – so grab dinner nearby before the show if you want a full meal.
The floor is mostly open standing space in a ¾-round in front of the stage, with a gentle downward slope. Along the back wall you might see a small DJ booth or the audio control tower. The balcony level is accessed by stairs on either side; it provides a seated/standing section and a second bar. Both levels have tiered flooring, so even if you’re at the very back there’s usually a step-up for better sightlines . Visitors have praised the acoustics – one recent review said “the sound quality on the first floor was excellent, even under the balcony” . This is due in part to a 2021 upgrade: the venue installed a new Adamson CS-Series speaker system throughout , replacing its older cabinet rig. The house lighting rig includes color washes and spotlights from above, typical for rock shows. There are no good seats per se (it’s primarily floor general admission), but the backwall and wedge areas near the soundboard are popular for dancing. If the show is not fully sold out, you may be able to scoot closer as people move around.
The Opera House makes some accommodations for comfort and accessibility. Wide ramps and double doors allow wheelchair entrance at the front . The venue advertises itself as fully accessible, with a barrier-free restroom on the main floor and removable risers if needed . (In practice, reviews remind us not all staircases or the very top balcony seats are wheelchair-friendly, so contact staff early if you have mobility needs .) Staff members are generally helpful – one attendee noted that ushers provided chairs for patrons with disabilities . Bathrooms are located off the main floor lobby and the lower mezzanine; at least one is ADA-compliant. All indoor areas are non-smoking. There is no Wi-Fi network for patrons, so plan on using your phone’s data if needed. Cell reception inside is usually okay, as the venue is not that deep underground (it’s at street level). In short, expect a friendly rock-club atmosphere, with minimal frills but solid amenities: bars, restrooms, coat check, and accessible facilities. Don’t forget your ID and expect security screening (the Opera House asks everyone to wait to be let in from the line about 90 minutes before show time ). Once through, you’re set for a classic Toronto concert experience under one of the city’s most storied proscenium arches。
Nearby Amenities
The Opera House sits on Queen Street East, a lively stretch with many dining and nightlife options. Right next door is The Broadview Hotel (an iconic former theatre) which has a lobby bar, rooftop beer garden and a restaurant downstairs. Just a short walk away in either direction you’ll find popular spots like **White Lily Diner** (casual diner fare and brunch, highly rated) and **Blessed Love** (Caribbean and West Indian cuisine, just a block away) . If you arrive early for dinner, these or a quick bite on Queen Street (pizzerias, joints, breweries) are good picks. On the corner of Queen and Broadview is **Prohibition Social House**, a gastropub with craft cocktails and pub food (it’s open late ). For pre-show drinks, many fans head to the Broadview’s bars or the lounge at Prohibition. After concerts, Queen West is quiet and well-lit for walking a block or two back to the subway or streetcar. Rideshare drop-offs are at Lewis Street just north of Queen , and picks-ups can be arranged there or at the corner. If you’re staying overnight, the nearest hotel is the Broadview Hotel itself. Otherwise, Danforth Avenue (one stop north) has several chain hotels (Holiday Inn, Residence Inn, etc.) within a few minutes’ drive. In general, Leslieville/Riverdale has a wide selection of eateries and pubs – the Opera House’s neighbourhood is among Toronto’s trendiest — so you’ll have no trouble finding food, drink or a place to stay in the vicinity.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Opera House stands out because of its unique blend of history and indie spirit. Few Toronto venues have such a long lineage: over 100 years old, it still functions much like a small city theatre, with original wood and brick accents. Its historic facade and 35-foot proscenium arch give each show a theatrical flair . Culturally, it has been a proving ground for artists and genres outside the mainstream. In the 1970s–90s it was one of the first halls to book hip hop, metal, punk, and rave events when other clubs wouldn’t . Pitch-black comedy and risqué burlesque shows have also taken the stage, reflecting the venue’s “anything goes” ethos. Creative types treasure its grungy yet polished vibe. As one blogger put it, even though the Opera House is only 950-capacity, “the business still feels humble” – gritty and unique, but with professional sound and production quality . Fans love it because legends have played there: Nirvana had a pre-fame show in 1991 (now a famous bootleg video) , and headliners like Metallica, Foos and Halsey have graced the small stage . Locals cherish the Opera House as a community anchor: generations of Torontonians cut their concert teeth here, whether at cheap all-ages rock nights or theatrical revues. Architecturally and atmospherically it’s also special. There are still original projectors and details visible, and every part of the club – from the main floor’s wide-open pit to the mezzanine and balcony – has charm. The rough-hewn ceiling, exposed brick side walls, and original curved walls preserve its vaudeville heritage. This combination of historic character, friendly atmosphere and open-minded booking policy is what artists and audiences alike rave about when they visit The Opera House.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Opera House promotes itself as fully accessible. There is a entrance ramp and double doors at the front, a portable ramp for the front-right section, and at least one wheelchair-friendly restroom on the main floor . Staff will assist patrons with mobility needs, and accessible seating is available (typically at the back of the standing area) . If you need accommodation, the venue suggests arriving 10–15 minutes early so staff can guide you . In practice, some older sections (narrow staircases to upper levels) are not wheelchair-friendly, so contact the box office or staff ahead if you have questions. Overall, people in wheelchairs and families find it welcoming so long as they arrive early and ask for help.
What to Bring: Only bring personal-sized items. Small clutches or purse (up to about 12″×6″×12″) and clear bags are generally allowed . Pens, wallets, phone and power bank are fine, but nothing large that will need coat check. Don’t bring big backpacks or non-collapsible containers – those must go to the coat check. Outside food is usually not permitted (aside from a sealed water bottle), and alcoholic beverages are strictly banned. Personal cameras (no flash or tripods) and smartphones for photos are fine, but large video cameras or professional gear are not. One fan tip: bring earplugs for loud shows, and wear lightweight layers – the club can get very hot and humid when crowded . You should bring government-issued ID, even for at the door, since most shows are 19+ and alcohol is served (a reviewer strongly urged “bring ID!!!” ). The venue is cashless, so have a credit or debit card (or a digital wallet on your phone) for buying drinks and snacks .
Arrival Tips: Plan to arrive early. Doors typically open 1–2 hours before showtime . If it’s a popular concert, fans often queue outside well before doors; you will want to get in early to find your spot. The Opera House has a cash-only box office that opens at the door time on show day , but do not rely on it unless you are taking a risk on day-of tickets. Buying in advance is safest. Once inside, there is no assigned seating (unless the show is seated), so it’s first-come, first-served standing room. If you have general admission tickets, head toward your desired viewing area as soon as you enter. If you are booked into a seated section (usually balcony or mezzanine), check the ticket for details; ushers will direct you to your seats. Note that any coat or bag you check will be pick-up only at intermission or end of show – you cannot retrieve items and re-enter. Also, photography rules: personal snapshot photos and videos (phone is fine), but professional or press filming is not allowed without permission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t underestimate how busy the area gets. Plan extra time for traffic if driving, and check TTC schedules late at night. Most people underestimate how hot the inner hall can get – as a reviewer quipped, “very humid” at shows . Stay hydrated (non-alcoholic water bottle brought in or a bottle from a nearby store). Another point: if you have not been to an all-ages or 19+ club before, realize crowds are dense – wear comfortable shoes, watch your valuables, and respect personal space on the dance floor. The venue has strict policies: expect a security pat-down and have a valid photo ID ready. Do not arrive after the headliner starts; once a show is underway they may limit late entries. On the flip side, don’t arrive too early (more than 90 minutes before doors) because the adjacent streets can get congested. Ideally, show up about an hour early for lines, or 30 minutes if you only need a quick bathroom/drink before finding your spot.
What is the capacity of The Opera House?
The Opera House holds roughly 950 people in total. That breaks down to about 680 on the main floor and 270 upstairs . For concerts it’s usually standing-room general admission.
How do I buy tickets for a concert at The Opera House?
Tickets are sold online in advance rather than at a box office. You can purchase them through the tour promoter’s or ticket site. The Opera House does not have a permanent box office, so the only “walk-up” option is the door on show night. If a concert isn’t sold out, you may buy cash-only tickets at the door when doors open. But for popular shows it’s safest to buy ahead online .
Is there a box office at The Opera House?
No, there is no box office open for advanced sales at The Opera House. All advance tickets must be purchased online. A temporary box office window opens on concert day only at door time, but that is for on-site sales of remaining tickets (cash-only) and will-call pick-up . To avoid disappointment, plan to buy online before the show if possible.
What is the typical ticket price range?
Ticket prices vary by artist. Smaller local or indie shows often range from the mid-$20s to $40, while bigger touring acts can be $50–$80 or more (plus fees). Some metal or EDM shows may run $30–$60. Always check the ticket listing for the specific show. Since The Opera House is a mid-sized venue, many concerts are relatively affordable compared to large arena shows. If cost is a concern, look for earlier opening acts or local events, which tend to be cheaper.
Where is The Opera House located?
The Opera House’s address is 735 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON . It sits at the corner of Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue in the Riverside/Leslieville area. If you’re looking at a map, it’s one block west of Broadview subway station.
Is there parking available at The Opera House?
There is no dedicated lot run by the venue. The closest convenient parking is the Green P public lot at 111 Broadview Ave (Green P Lot 45), just a minute’s walk north . On-street paid parking on Queen and nearby side streets is also an option, but spots can fill up fast on busy nights. There are other Green P and private lots in Leslieville as well. Many concertgoers simply park at Broadview & Queen (meters) or use rideshare/taxi as an alternative.
What public transit goes to The Opera House?
The Opera House is well-served by TTC. Queen streetcar routes (501 Queen east/west and 504 King via downtown) stop at or near Queen & Broadview . Several buses also pass nearby. For subway access: Broadview Station (Bloor-Danforth line 2) is roughly a 400m walk north, and Queen Station (Line 1 Yonge-University) is about a 15-20 minute walk west. In short, take the Queen streetcar or head to Broadview Station for quickest access. Late at night, the 301/304 Owl buses run Queen St after subway hours.
Where is the rideshare or taxi drop-off?
Lyft is the official rideshare partner for Opera House shows. The designated drop-off/pick-up zone is on Lewis Street , which runs just behind the venue parallel to Queen East . For taxi cabs or Uber/other apps, you can also use the corner of Queen & Broadview as a convenient spot. Planning a pickup is wise, since parking and traffic get busy during events.
Is The Opera House general admission or seated?
Most concerts at The Opera House are general admission, meaning the main-floor area is standing-room only. The balcony level provides more relaxed viewing; it has tiered platforms and may have some bench seating or chairs along the sides. For special events, they might set up chairs on the main floor, but typically it’s a pitch with no fixed seats. If you have a ticket for a seated section (e.g. a special cabaret or theatre show), your ticket will specify your seat. Otherwise, treat it like a club: stand wherever you like on a first-come basis for GA.
Where are the best spots to watch the show?
It depends on your preference. For being close to the action and stage, the front row of the pit (main floor) is great but can be very crowded. For a balanced view and clearer sound, many fans choose the mid-to-back area of the main floor or the upper balcony. The balcony provides an unobstructed vantage of the whole stage and pit. A review noted that even standing “under the balcony” still delivers excellent sound . If you value comfort and space, try the rear mezzanine or balcony where there’s room to move. Avoid standing directly next to speaker stacks (to avoid very loud blasts) or squished in stairways. Overall, thanks to the tiered design , most areas have good sightlines and acoustics.
What is the bag policy at The Opera House?
The Opera House enforces a strict bag policy for all events. Only small purses, clutches or clear bags (approximately 12×6×12″ or smaller) are permitted . Backpacks, large totes, camera bags, and other oversized bags are not allowed inside. If you do bring a large bag, security will require you to check it into the (fee-based) coat check on site . This helps the venue process entry quickly and keep aisles clear. All guests and their belongings are subject to search at the door, so plan accordingly. In practice, leave bulky items in your car or at home and bring only essentials.
Can I bring food, drinks, or cameras inside?
No outside alcohol or large containers are allowed inside the venue. You can bring a small bottle of water, but glass or metal bottles, cans, flasks and open drinks are prohibited. The house bar sells beer, wine, and cocktails once you’re inside. Outside food is generally not permitted; if you have dietary needs, eat beforehand. As for recording, casual photos and video on phones are typically fine. However, professional cameras (DSLRs with detachable lenses) or video equipment are usually banned unless you have special press access. Always follow staff instructions. Flash photography during a performance is frowned upon. In short: no outside drinks or food, and no pro cameras without permission.
What is the minimum age to enter The Opera House?
The Opera House is a fully licensed venue, which generally means most shows are restricted to **19+ only** under Ontario law. You will almost always need to be 19 or older to get in (and to purchase alcohol). Occasionally there are all-ages events (marked “All Ages” on the ticket), but these are exceptions. Check the specific event listing to see if any age minimum is listed. Even for all-ages shows, children should have a ticket and be accompanied by an adult. Always bring ID – bar staff and security may check age regardless of the event type .
Is The Opera House wheelchair accessible?
The Opera House strives to be accessible. There is a ramped entrance and staff will assist wheelchair users through security if needed . The main floor has accessible seating at the rear, and there is a “barrier-free” restroom on the main level . If you require an accessible seat for a show, you generally do not need to reserve in advance – just mention it to staff upon arrival. However, note that some upper levels (green rooms and basement) involve stairs, so ask a staff member to find you the easiest path. In reviews, patrons with disabilities said the staff “made accommodations” (like providing chairs) in a friendly way . If you have concerns, arriving a bit early is recommended so staff can help you settle in comfortably .
What's the dress code at The Opera House?
There is no formal dress code – attendees usually dress casually or gig-style (jeans, tees, sneakers). The venue’s website facetiously says “dress to impress,” but in practice comfort and being appropriate for a concert setting is key. Layering is advisable since it can get warm inside. For certain themed events or club nights it may be fun to dress up, but generally you’ll fit in with smart-casual or casual attire. Comfortable shoes are always best since most shows are standing. Just avoid any clothing that would violate the bag policy (no bulky outerwear that needs a big coat check beyond the allowed size).
Are cameras or recording devices allowed inside?
Personal smartphones and small point-and-shoot cameras are generally allowed for personal photos or videos. However, any professional camera or recording gear (large DSLRs, video cameras, etc.) is usually prohibited. The Opera House enforces this in line with most concert venues, to respect artist copyrights and avoid disruptions. Flash photography during the show is not allowed. If you’re unsure, check the event page when buying tickets – it might specify if any press restriction applies. In short: small, handheld devices are fine for private use, but avoid bringing pro cameras or tripods.
Is smoking allowed inside The Opera House?
No. The Opera House is an indoor concert venue and smoking is not allowed inside by law. Smoking areas (for cigarettes or vaping) are outside on the sidewalk or in any designated outdoor area at the venue entrance. If you choose to smoke, you’ll briefly have to step outside between sets or before/after the show.
What year did The Opera House original open?
The building opened in 1909, originally named the La Plaza Theatre . It was designed as a vaudeville and movie house for the Riverside neighbourhood. In 1989 it was renovated and renamed The Opera House (even though no actual opera is performed there) .
Has any famous band played The Opera House?
Yes, many well-known artists have performed there. Legendary examples include Nirvana (a pre-fame show in 1991 that’s captured on video) , Metallica (who headlined in 2016 ), Eminem, Foo Fighters, Green Day, The Killers, Halsey, Rick Astley and many more . Its stage history spans rock, pop, rap, metal, and more. The Opera House is famous for hosting big-name acts in an intimate setting where those acts often sell out it out as one of Toronto’s key small-venue stops.
